State dinner for the National Consultative Committee on Statistics

Today is a remarkable day in the history of our dear State as we host the participants of the 2025 1st Bi-Annual NCCS meeting to a State Dinner to recognise their participation and their visit to Katsina State. It is part of the hospitality and tradition of Katsina State Government to organize a State Dinner to mark the end of such important National event. Indeed Katsina, as you can all testify, is a home away from home.

2. This event brings an end to the meeting of the 1st Bi-Annual National Consultative Committee on Statistics in 2025 where I am sure, you discussed on the development in the sector and come up with new strategies on how to enhance your jobs and services as Statistician – General of the Federation and those from the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory. In addition participants use this event to ease out stress after extensive discussions on the subject matter.

3. When we took over the administration of Katsina State in 2023, we came in with our blueprint which clearly spelt out our strategies and plan of action on how to develop all the sectors of the State economy. However, with our knowledge on the importance of effective data to guide implementation of our policies, programmes and projects, we decided to revitalise the State Bureau of Statistics. To ensure efficiency, I directed the Head of Civil Service of the State to advertise the position and follow the due process to select the best that will be appointed as the Statistician-General of the State. The process was very successful as at the end of the day the appointment of Professor Saifullahi Sani Ibrahim was recommended and approved by the State Government. Since his assumption into office, Katsina State has recorded series of developments in conducting so many surveys and generating relevant data that guides our decision making.

4. Even though we are not gathered here to make speeches, I wish to assure the Statistician-General of the Federation and all other participants that Katsina State Government will carefully study the communique issued at the end of the meeting and ensure its effective implementation, taking into consideration the peculiarities of Katsina State. The Government shall request Katsina State Bureau of Statistics to come up with implementation framework.

5. The present administration has underscored the importance of State GDP, which serves as a strategic macroeconomic variable that guides key policy decisions to drive growth and development. The concept note for the compilation of GDP of the State for 2024 and 2025 is under consideration. We leverage on the collaboration with National Bureau of Statistics and the experience acquired by the staff of Katsina State Bureau of Statistics in the ongoing GDP compilation to ensure that henceforth no gap shall exist in the GDP data of the State.

6. As you have the first hand information of the serene environment, peace and tranquillity enjoyed in the State, you have now become our ambassadors in dispelling insecurity narratives spread by those who are ignorant of the improved security situation in the State. Investors, both local and foreign, are kindly requested to consider Katsina State when taking strategic investment decisions. The cost of living is relatively cheaper when compared with most of the States and ease of doing business is favourable as the government and people of Katsina State are investors friendly.

7. It may interest you to know that the present administration in less than two years has executed developmental projects in Health, Education, Infrastructure, Water Resources, Environment etc across the 34 Local Government Areas of the State. If not because of the time constraint, we intended to take you round to inspect some of the projects.

8. I was informed about your separate and collective appeals requesting me to use my influence at the Governors’ Forum and sensitize other Governors on the need to pay special attention to their respective States Bureau of Statistics to enhance Data Collection and Data utilization for effective developmental plans in their States. I wish to assure you that I will utilize any available opportunity to sensitize the Governors on the need to concentrate and pay more attention to their Bureau of Statistics taking into cognisance their relevance in short, medium and long term plans.

9. In conclusion, I wish to express our sincere appreciation to the Statistician-General of the Federation and all members of NCCS for selecting Katsina State to host this event. I urge you to comfort yourself with the cultural entertainments. I wish all of you safe trip back to your respective destinations. Long live Katsina State and long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

10. Thank you and God bless you all.